MRSL Testing Services

MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substance List) testing packages are available from Eurofins | BLC that analyse chemical formations in accordance with ZDHC MRSL or customer specific MRSLs. 

Analysing chemical formulations through Eurofins | BLC MRSL testing services not only supports chemical compliance, but also drives responsible chemical management in your business.

 

MRSL Testing for ZDHC Conformance Level 1

The following packages can be used to gain ZDHC Conformance Level 1:

Package 1 – Complete MRSL Testing of Chemical Formulations
A complete testing programme for chemical formulations, testing individual chemical formulations used in the manufacture of leather, synthetic leather and textiles, against all chemicals listed in the ZDHC MRSL (over 140 individual chemical tests).

Package 2 – ‘Smart Testing’ of Chemical Formulations
Chemical formulations are evaluated, and ‘smart tested’ against ZDHC MRSL chemical groups, that are most likely associated with the formulation of the product, and therefore present an increased risk. Chemical groups that present a low risk (those that are unlikely to be used in the product formulation), are excluded from ‘smart testing’.

 

ZDHC Conformance Level 3 for Chemical Companies

The above testing packages can be used by chemical companies to achieve ZDHC Conformance Level 3 in conjunction with the c-MAP Programme which is part of the Chem-MAP family.

Start your journey to responsible chemistry with through Chem-MAP.

 

Custom MRSL Testing

The following testing packages form part of Eurofins | BLC’s custom MRSL testing, where individual analytes and/or chemical groups can be tested for, as well as testing to a customer specified MRSL.

Package 3 – MRSL Testing of Individual Analytes or Chemical Groups
Chemical formulations can be tested for individual analytes or chemical groups listed in the ZDHC MRSL upon request.

Package 4 – Customer Specified MRSL Testing
If your company has their own MRSL (with specified limits), Eurofins | BLC can carry out bespoke MRSL testing of your chemical formulations upon request (please note for this testing turnaround times may be subject to change).

 

Discuss Your MRSL Testing Needs

Contact Eurofins | BLC’s chemical compliance experts to discuss MRSL testing and for further information on Eurofins | BLC MRSL testing packages. Eurofins | BLC chemical experts can also talk to you about how to achieve ZDHC Conformance Level 1 or achieve Conformance Level 3 through Chem-MAP. Simply call Eurofins | BLC to speak to an expert today on +44 (0) 1604 679 999 or email [email protected].

 

BLC Chemical Testing & Analysis

Chemical testing and analysis is conducted at Eurofins | BLC's internationally accredited chemical testing laboratory based in the UK, which is accredited by UKAS (0076), ILAC and CPSC (1049) for BS, EN and ISO standards, including ISO 17025. 

At Eurofins | BLC, we offer one of the fastest chemical testing turnaround times in Europe, with faster lead-time options available on selected routine chemical testing.

Below is a list of our most popular chemical tests:

 

Please read our testing terms and conditions.

 

What is an MRSL?

An MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substance List) is a list of chemical substances which can potentially be found in some raw materials and are subject to a usage ban. An MRSL establishes acceptable concentration limits for these substances.

There should be no intentional use of a MRSL listed substance in commercially available chemical formulations nor in those from earlier stages of chemical synthesis.

 

Why do we need an MRSL?

The current restricted chemical regulations for finished products are extensive. However, in spite of this, compliance to finished product regulations in multiple jurisdictions could still allow for the use of hazardous chemistry upstream. It is for this reason that NGO’s such as Greenpeace have pressured brands into ‘detoxing’ their supply chains and making public commitments around the removal of certain chemicals. This has created a major shift in attitude around the way chemicals are managed throughout supply chain.

 

What is the ZDHC MRSL?

ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) is an organisation dedicated to eliminating hazardous chemicals, and implementing sustainable chemicals in the leather, textile and synthetics sectors.

ZDHC have created a multi-stakeholder programme which is supported by brands, retailers, and manufacturers around the world with the aim of implementing responsible chemical management.

The ZDHC MRSL is a list of restricted substances that has been developed by ZDHC and is commonly used as a standardised checklist of substances to test against.

 

Why carry out MRSL Testing?

MRSL testing provides an indication of compliance of chemical formulations to a specified MRSL, which normally occurs further upstream in the supply chain at the raw material input stage.

Chemical companies and manufacturers of raw materials would normally carry out MRSL testing to the ZDHC MRSL or to customer-specified MRSLs.

As MRSL testing takes place further upstream in the supply chain, it helps to prevent harmful chemicals from entering raw materials and consumer products. By carrying out MRSL testing, your business is taking a vital step towards responsible chemical management.

 

What is the difference between an MRSL and RSL?

Both an MRSL and an RSL are lists of restricted substances, however, there are several differences between their content and when they need to be used for chemical compliance:

MRSL – Manufacturing Restricted Substance List

RSL – Restricted Substance List

Applies to the testing of chemical formulations.

Applies to the testing of materials and finished products.

Helps to prevent harmful levels of chemicals from entering the supply chain.

Protects consumers and end-users of materials and products from harmful levels of chemicals.

Used to regulate the safety of chemical formulations.

Used for product safety and chemical compliance.

The ZDHC MRSL is often used as an industry benchmark, however, companies can develop and use their own MRSLs.

Brands and retailers often develop their own RSLs however companies who are Eurofins BLC Members can use Eurofins | BLC’s RSL.

Restricted substance limits set much higher in MRSLs than in RSLs as the limits are applied to chemical formulations.

Chemicals formulations used in manufacturing and processing contain much more concentrated levels of chemicals, which become diluted during their use in wet processing.

Restricted substance limits are lower in RSLs than in MRSLs as they only apply to the chemical content of finished products.

RSL limits can also vary and are driven by legislation, eco-labels, and brand/retailer decisions (which may go beyond compliance).

 

Does the publication of the MRSL replace the need for RSL?

No. RSLs remain extremely important tools for brands and retailers to ensure that they are providing a product that is fit for the indented user and they make an important commitment to stakeholders around their responsibility to consumer safety. Such commitments around restricted chemicals remain fundamental to product safety management and are extremely important to guard against potential consumer safety issues and brand integrity.

While there is some overlap between the MRSL and many brand’s RSLs, not all RSL listed substances feature in the MRSL. The MRSL is focused on the eliminating the intentional use of certain substances during manufacturing processes. There are many substances restricted at RSL level which do not need to be banned from intentional use but the limits in finished materials/product must be controlled in order to satisfy regulatory requirements.

Further information on RSLs and RSL testing.

 

Eurofins | BLC Members Can Access the MRSL FAQ Factsheet Online

If you are a Eurofins | BLC Member and require further information on MRSL, you can log in and access the MRSL FAQ factsheet on the Member Toolkits page.

 

Talk to a Chemical Expert about MRSL Testing

If your business is looking to carry out MRSL testing and would like advice on MRSL compliance or the next steps, contact our Eurofins | BLC chemical experts today on +44 (0) 1604 679 999 or email [email protected]

 

MRSL Testing with BLC Helps Your Business Achieve ZDHC Conformance

MRSL testing helps your business enhance sustainable chemical management activities and achieve ZDHC Conformance.

Eurofins | BLC have developed MRSL testing packages to cater to individual business needs as well as providing assurance through chemical compliance to the ZHDC MRSL.

Eurofins | BLC are proud to work with a wide variety of organisations around the world from chemical companies and raw material manufacturers to brands and retailers.

 

For MRSL testing services, Eurofins | BLC provide:

  • A suite of MRSL testing packages that work for your business
  • ZDHC Conformance Level 1 (on selected MRSL testing packages)
  • Potential to gain ZDHC Conformance Level 3 through Eurofins | Chem-MAP
  • Both the MRSL testing and the understanding of the results
  • In the event of a failure, guidance on results and provide recommendations for improvement by chemical specialists
  • Technical back up and support from chemical testing experts
  • Chemical compliance and product safety training courses for your staff
  • Chemical testing in an internationally accredited testing laboratory, which holds accreditations from UKAS (0076), CPSC (1049) and ILAC.

 

Become a Eurofins | BLC Member and access:

 

View Eurofins | BLC Membership Benefits

 

Our Accreditations

Eurofins | BLC holds accreditations from UKAS and CPSC and has auditors approved to carry out LWG audits. Trust Eurofins | BLC to deliver some of the most accurate test results in the industry.

View our Accreditations

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